ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Officer Trainees of Military Engineer Services  called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Addressing the Officer Trainees the President said that, they have joined the services at a time when India has just entered into the Amrit Kaal and has also assumed G20 Presidency. It is the time when the world is looking towards India for new innovations and solutions. As officers of Military Engineer Services, they would be instrumental in providing rear line engineering support to all the defence arms, that is, Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and other organizations. The dedicated engineering support that they provide to the armed forces enhances their overall performance and keeps them prepared to meet any exigencies.
The President said that as young officers in the field of construction, MES officers have a prime duty to care for the environment also. We must move towards increased use of renewable energy for sustainable development. She noted that the MES is greatly contributing in reducing the national carbon footprint by completing a large number of Solar Photovoltaic projects. She said that they can innovate and use new building materials that protect residents from hazardous chemicals. The overall human well-being increases when surrounded by natural materials, she added.
The President said that construction sector is very dynamic and the technologies are changing very fast. This sector plays a major role in economic growth and development. She said that MES officers can contribute immensely in developing infrastructure using modern tools of project management. She urged them to make use of cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence in their future projects. She said that this would help in a more efficient design and reduced time frame for construction.
The President was happy to note that MES has completed the first ever 3D Printed Houses at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. She urged MES officers to try to use more such technologies that are cost effective and help in avoiding wastage. She also urged to promote recycling of materials wherever possible.
Cabinet
Cabinet gives approval for introduction of Constitution  Bill 2017 and  National Commission for Backward Classes  Bill, 2017 in the Parliament
Approval also granted for retention of posts and office premises for the proposed new National Commission for Backward Classes
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given  Ex-post facto approval for introduction of  Constitution  Bill 2017 and  National Commission for Backward Classes  Bill, 2017 in the Parliament; and  Approval for retention of posts/incumbents and office premises held by the existing National Commission for Backward Classes by the proposed new National Commission for Backward Classes
The approval is for the proposal to bring about a Constitutional Amendment namely the Constitution  Bill, 2017 by:
a. Constitution of a Commission under Article 338B for socially and educationally backward classes by name of National Commission for Backward Classes; and
b.  insertion of Clause  under Article 366 with modified definition viz. “socially and educationally backward classes” means such backward classes as are so deemed under Article 342A for the purpose, this Constitution and
2. Introduce a Bill for:
a. Repeal of the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 along with Savings Clause for namely the National Commission for Backward Classes  Bill, 2017; and
b. Dissolution of the National Commission for Backward Classes with effect from such date as the Central Government may appoint in this behalf and the National Commission for Backward Classes constituted under sub-section  of Section 3 of the said Act shall stand dissolved.
3.  Appropriation of the sanctioned 52 posts, along with incumbents wherever filled of the existing National Commission for Backward Classes in the proposed National Commission for Backward Classes to be constituted under Article 338B; and
 Retention of the office premises of the existing National Commission for Backward Classes at Trikut-1, Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066, by the Natinal Commission for Backward Classes to be constituted under Article 338B.
The above decisions will lead to overall welfare of socially and educationally backward classes.
The proposed Act of repeal is necessary in view of setting up of the National Commission for Backward Classes by insertion of Article 338B of the Constitution.
The decision will also enable effecting continuity in the functioning of the National Commission for Backward Classes under Article 338B.
Department of Atomic Energy
Completion of Renovation and Modernisation Ahead of Schedule in Unit-2 of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station
The second Unit of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station  attained Criticality  today  at 02:22 hrs, after completion of Renovation & Modernisation  works, encompassing En-Masse Coolant Channel Replacement , En Masse Feeder Replacement  and other safety upgrades. This task was completed about three and half months ahead of schedule. In this endeavor, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited , Nuclear Fuel Complex , Bhabha Atomic Research Centre  and various vendors/contractors rose to the occasion for this achievement.
The approach to criticality was undertaken after meeting all the stipulated regulatory requirements. This will be followed by conduct of various tests, connection to the grid and increase in power level to full power as per laid down procedures and regulatory clearances.
KAPS located in Surat district of Gujarat comprises of two units of indigenous 220 MW PHWRs  which commenced commercial operation in 1993 and 1995 respectively. Two more units of 700 MW PHWRs  are under construction at this site.
NPCIL operates twenty two nuclear power reactors  with a capacity of 6780 MW and has eight reactors with a capacity of 6200 MW under construction. Work has also been initiated on twelve more reactors  accorded administrative approval and financial sanction by the Government.
Prime Minister's Office
Chief Minister, Speaker of the state Legislative Assembly and ministers of the Meghalaya Government call on Prime Minister
Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri K Sangma, Speaker of the state Legislative Assembly, Shri Thomas A. Sangma and ministers of the Meghalaya Government called on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today.
The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted;
“CM of Meghalaya, Shri @SangmaConrad, Speaker of the state Legislative Assembly, Shri Thomas A. Sangma and ministers of the Meghalaya Government met Prime Minister @narendramodi.”
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
National Edible Oil Mission-Oil Palm
During the year 2020-21, India imported 133.5 lakh tonnes of edible oil, out of which the share of palm oil was around 56 %. The National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm  has been launched with the aim to augment the availability of edible oil in the country by harnessing area expansion, increasing crude palm oil production with the aim to reduce the import burden. The salient features of NMEO-Oil palm include assistance for planting material, inputs for intercropping upto gestation period of 4 years and for maintenance, establishment of seed gardens, nurseries, micro irrigation, bore well/pumpset/water harvesting structure, vermi compost units, solar pumps, harvesting tools, custom hiring centre cum harvester Groups, farmers and officers training, and for replanting of old oil palm gardens etc.
The total approved cost of the NMEO  Scheme is ₹ 11,040 crore, out of which ₹ 8844 crore is Central share and ₹ 2196 crore state share. For the year 2021-22, a total of Rs 10422.69 lakh has been approved for various state annual action plans.
The Reassessment Committee of ICAR- Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research  2020 has assessed around 28 lakh hectares potential for oil palm cultivation. While assessing the potential area, ICAR-IIOPR considered all the environmental and bio diversity parameters and recommended its cultivation in selected districts and states.
Annual edible oilseeds viz; soybean, rapeseed and mustard, groundnut, sesame, sunflower, safflower and niger are also grown in the country. Potential districts for these crops have been identified on the basis of land suitability and average yield.
As per ICAR-IIOPR, oil palm requires less water compared to crops like rice, banana and sugarcane for its optimum cultivation. Under the Mission emphasis has been given to promote micro irrigation and water conservation in oil palm for efficient water management and judicious use of water.
The state-wise potential area assessed by ICAR-IIOPR in 2020 in India
|
|
Sl. No
|
|
State
|
|
Potential Area
|
|
No. of Districts
|
|
1
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
531379
|
|
10
|
|
2
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
57149
|
|
15
|
|
3
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
62361
|
|
14
|
|
4
|
|
Goa
|
|
2000
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
72642
|
|
15
|
|
6
|
|
Odisha
|
|
34291
|
|
17
|
|
7
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
95719
|
|
17
|
|
8
|
|
Telangana
|
|
436325
|
|
27
|
|
9
|
|
Kerala
|
|
43676
|
|
8
|
|
10
|
|
Bihar
|
|
123148
|
|
35
|
|
11
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
118079
|
|
29
|
|
12
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
162210
|
|
28
|
|
13
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
48663
|
|
9
|
|
14
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
45463
|
|
11
|
|
15
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
133811
|
|
11
|
|
16
|
|
Andaman & Nicobar
|
|
3000
|
|
NA
|
|
17
|
|
Assam
|
|
375428
|
|
10
|
|
18
|
|
Manipur
|
|
66652
|
|
6
|
|
19
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
122637
|
|
4
|
|
20
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
66792
|
|
8
|
|
21
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
51297
|
|
6
|
|
22
|
|
Tripura
|
|
146364
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
2799086
|
|
284
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Cabinet approves development of New Greenfield Airport at Hirasar, Rajkot, Gujarat
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modihas given its approval for development of New Greenfield Airport at Hirasar, Rajkot, Gujarat at an estimated cost of Rs.1405 crore.
The existing airport at Rajkot is severely land constrained having only 236 acres  of land and situated in the heart of city. This Airport suffers from considerable capacity restraints due to presence of residential & commercial buildings around it. Railway line and State Highway located around the airport on eastern side also prohibits the extension of runway. Thus there is no feasibility to expand the airport on city or airside, hence possibility of operating wide bodied aircrafts at the existing airport location is ruled out.
Rajkot is the fourth largest city in the state of Gujarat after Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. The city is the centre of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat and the 35thlargest urban agglomeration in India with a population more than 1.2 million as of 2015. It is also the 22nd fastest growing city in the world.
Considering the constraints and compulsions with respect to existing airport, State Government desires to develop a new Greenfield Airport in Rajkot. Government of Gujarat has identified required land for the new airport and requested Airports Authority of India to develop, operate and maintain the new airport
PIB Headquarters
Entries invited by Press Council of India for National Awards for Excellence in Journalism Last date of sending entries is 30th August, 2019
Press Council of India has invited entries for National Awards for Excellence in Journalism, 2019. The Awards, carrying a cash prize and citation, will be given in eight categories:
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S. No.
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|
Category
|
|
Cash Prize
|
|
1
|
|
Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award for Excellence in Journalism
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|
Rs. 100000/-
|
|
2
|
|
Rural Journalism
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Rs. 50000/-
|
|
3
|
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Developmental Reporting
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Rs. 50000/-
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4
|
|
Photo Journalism:
i) Single News Picture
ii)Photo Feature
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Rs. 50000/-
Rs. 50000/-
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|
5
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|
Best Newspaper Art: Covering cartoons, caricatures and illustrations
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Rs. 50000/-
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|
6
|
|
Sports Reporting / Sports Photo Feature
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Rs. 50000/-
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|
7
|
|
Financial Reporting
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|
Rs. 50000/-
|
|
8
|
|
Gender Issue Reporting
|
|
Rs. 50000/-
The details including procedure, eligibility, criteria, entry form etc. can be accessed from the website of Press Council of India: www.presscouncil.nic.in. All entries may be sent in sealed cover to Secretary, Press Council of India, SoochnaBhawan, 8-CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003. The entries must reach by 5 PM on 30th August, 2019. Advance copies may be emailed at secy-pci@nic.ni.
The Awards have been instituted to recognize outstanding contribution of journalists/ photo journalists of Indian nationality in print journalism. They are given on the occasion of National Press Day on November 16.
Ministry of Coal
Coal and Mining Sectors Contributing Substantially to Nation Building – Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi
Inaugurates Orientation Programme for Non-official Directors of Coal & Mines CPSEs
An Orientation Programme for Non-Official Directors of CPSEs of Ministry of Coal & Mines was organized at New Delhi today. The main objective of the programme was for Non-Official Directors of CPSEs to serve as an inspiration for CPSEs to help carry out Government Policy for CPSEs, and to improve the performance of the CPSEs.
The purpose of the programme was to start a dialogue between the Ministry and NODs to ensure NODs get a good orientation on the Ministry’s goals/strategies for the sector and to clarify expectations from NODs.
The programme was graced by Sh. Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs and Sh. Raosaheb Patil Danve, Minister of State for Coal, Mines and Railways who sought the feedback of NODs and addressed their concerns.
After the welcome Address by Sh. Bhabani Prasad Pati, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal, self introduction was provided by 33 Non-Official Directors of CPSEs of Ministry of Coal & Mines who attended.
Sh. Raosaheb Patil Danve, Minister of State for Coal, Mines and Railways emphasized that this orientation session will help the NODs in exchanging their experiences and enable them to be well informed about the company and the external environment in which they operate and ensure that adequate deliberations are held before approving agendas and assure themselves that the same are in the interests of the company.
Sh. Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs was of the view that each Non-Official Director acts as an important pillar of the Board of Directors. They help in bringing an independent judgment on the Board’s deliberations and satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial information. NODs ensure that financial controls and the systems of risk management are robust and defensible and safeguards the interests of all stakeholders, particularly the minority shareholders.
A presentation by Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines on the current perspective and future vision was followed by interactive session with the NODs who provided their suggestions and feedback. Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, pointed out that NODs should also address the larger concerns of the coal sector in view of the push of alternatives/renewables- it was also conveyed that this interaction of the Ministries and the NODs would be made a regular feature now and that all the suggestions have been noted for further deliberations by the Ministries.
Special Service and Features
Country to focus on offshore cage farming using bigger cages, says Union Minister Parshottam Rupala
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala has outlined a comprehensive plan to boost the mariculture sector of the country, saying that offshore cage farming is the immediate focus using bigger cages.
He was speaking during his visit to the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute .
“Cage fish farming is to be expanded to the offshore waters with better cage designs having a size of 30 diameters or above that can accommodate lakhs of juveniles, " the Union Minister said. Currently, cage farming is undertaken in nearshore waters using the 6-diameter cages.
He added that CMFRI should spearhead research and development efforts in creating these advanced cages. “This is expected to significantly boost mariculture production in the country”, the Minister said.
Seed production in PPP mode
He also urged CMFRI to expand seed production technologies for finfishes to all the coastal states utilising the public-private-partnership  mode. This would help address the seed constraints and make available the required seeds to the fish farmers all over the country.
The Minister indicated that the central government would soon come up with a Mariculture Leasing Policy to ensure the sustainable use of mariculture resources.“This will ensure that mariculture operations are located in suitable areas and they do not cause environmental damage”, he said.
Pearl Oyster production
Shri Parshottam Rupala also underscored the untapped potential of Pearl Oyster production, urging CMFRI to take a proactive role in scaling up its production in a bigger way. Acknowledging the critical role of hatchery technologies in supporting large-scale Pearl Oyster production, he emphasized the necessity of research and innovation in this area.
Furthermore, the Union Minister proposed a pioneering sea ranching programme of the hatchery-produced spats of the pearl oyster along the Tuticorin coast, which would be executed under the guidance of the CMFRI. Traditionally known as “Pearl City” on account of the prevailing pearl fisheries in the past in the area, Thoothukudi has a fascinating history which was an international cynosure in the days of yore for its pearl fishery.
Referring to the high prospects of marine ornamental fishery, he suggested that effective marketing avenues should be developed for marine ornamentals. The Minister urged the CMFRI to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to establish effective marketing strategies. This would provide an economic boost to the marine ornamental industry, he added.
Shri Rupala was also accompanied by Union Minister of State for Fisheries Dr L Murugan, and Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V Muraleedharan.
NS
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Approval for Genetically Modified Mustard
The Government has approved the environmental release of Genetically Modified  Mustard hybrid DMH-11 and its parental lines during 147th meeting of Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee  on 18 October, 2022 for its seed production and testing as per existing ICAR guidelines, conditions imposed by the GEAC while recommending the environmental release of GM mustard hybrid DMH-11 and its parental lines; and other extant rules/regulations prior to commercial release.
The hybrid DMH-11 has been tested against the check varieties Varuna and RL-1359 during Biosafety Research Level Trials  I and II, where it gave 28.15% high over Varuna during 2010-11 to 2014-15. Field trials for three years were conducted to assess the impact on human health and environment as per the stipulated guidelines and applicable rules. Extensive studies carried out on toxicity, allergenicity, compositional analysis, field trials and environmental safety studies of GM mustard lines vs. their non-transgenic comparators have provided evidence that the GE mustard hybrid DMH-11 and its parental lines are safe for cultivation and for food and feed use. Visitation of bees to the transgenic lines is similar to the non-transgenic counterparts during the BRL-I and BRL-II trials conducted as per the protocols approved by Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation  and GEAC.
Few representations have been received on the environmental release of GE mustard hybrid DMH-11, however, the issue of environmental release of GM Mustard is under adjudication before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu
As per information received from Government of Tamil Nadu, three proposals have been sent to Government of India concerning Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor . The details and status of these proposals are as follows:
 Establishment of testing facilities under Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme  of Ministry of Defence . The State Government has been directed to participate in the tender process and follow the procedure/ scheme guidelines in this regard.
 Leasing of about 160 acres of defence land in taluka Ulundurpettai, Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu for creation of Aviation Technology Hub. This proposal is outside the identified nodes of TNDIC.
 A proposal has been submitted to Airport Authority of India  for establishment of Aircraft MRO Complex in 50 acres of land at Chennai Airport.
The Defence Industrial Corridors including TNDIC have been established to attract investments from public / private industries to develop defence manufacturing ecosystem. As per information received from Government of Tamil Nadu, action has been taken to develop TNDIC and an Aerospace &Defence policy for incentivizing investments bythe industries in the TNDIC has been notified. They have started land acquisition and taken action to develop defence industrial parks, aerospace parks etc. and signed Memorandum of Understanding  with 39  private/public industries. Against the projected investments worth Rs. 12226.00 Crore as per MoUs with various private/public industries in the TNDIC, investment of more than Rs 2,200 crore have already been made in the last three years. Further, the State Government of Tamil Nadu has also spent Rs. 30 Crore for development of Aerospace park.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri P. Wilson in Rajya Sabha today.
ABB/DK/Savvy
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PIB Headquarters
Fact Check: No shortage of fertiliser in Manipur
A report published in a section of press in the state yesterday said that farmers of Seijang, Imphal East were agitated over shortage of fertilisers in the state.

Director of Agriculture, Manipur government has since assured the farmers that there will not be any shortage of Urea in the state.Speaking to media persons, Director of Agriculture said that the situation is being monitored constantly. He added that Manipur requires around 15,000 tonnes of urea every year but the Central Government usually supplies 20,000 tonnes to the State, which is more than sufficient. Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister of Manipur have already directed the officials to inspect the private Urea dealers and their godowns to ensure smooth supply of fertilisers during this farming season.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
An Initiation of Water Conservation from Nercrms Under the Aegis of North Eastern Council, Ministry of Doner
Rajnagar is a small hamlet under Diyun Circle, Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh which faced irregular supply as well as unavailability of quality drinking water. The inhabitants sourced their drinking water from a tube well and from a nearby water supply source, which were often dry during the winter season. As a result, they sourced their drinking water from a source which was located at a distance of 1.2 kilometres.
AMYAA NGO Staff's with Rajnagar SHG members
It all started with the NERCRMS intervention through the NERCORMP Project, in which the villagers were provided with the requisite equipment, which included four ring wells for JODHA NaRMG and two ring wells for UJJAL NaRMG. The residents now have year-round access to reliable and quality drinking water.
UJJAL : Activity SAFE DRINKING WATER
Before intervention Activity Implementation After Intervention
The initiative had a positive impact which resulted into overall holistic development of the village. The villagers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to NERCRMS and to the NaRM-G for their assistance and support.
JODHA: Activity Safe Drinking Water
Before Intervention Activity Implementation After Intervention
“Water conservation for today is life conservation for tomorrow”